Memphis fans should rally for Redbirds

Memphis Redbirds manager Stubby Clapp discusses his team's division title and why they've been so successful with so many different players.
Mark Giannotto/The Commercial Appeal

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Memphis Redbirds infielder Wilfredo Tovar (12) is congratulated by teammate Patrick Wisdom (5) and bat boy Trey McCain after Tovar scored a run during a game against the Nashville Sounds on Aug. 17, 2017, at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds lost the game 11-8.(Photo: Yalonda M. James / The Commercial Appeal)Buy Photo

In a city that loves its gritty Grizzlies and spirited Tigers, it hasn't been easy for the Redbirds to get and hold our attention. But our city's baseball team deserves our undivided attention and full support this week.

The Memphis Redbirds just completed a historic regular season, winning a Pacific Coast League-high 91 games, eight more than any previous Redbirds team.

That includes the 2000 PCL champs, who won 83 games with a roster that included future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols and a scrappy second baseman named Stubby Clapp.

Clapp, who hit three home runs and drove in 11 during that 2000 playoff run, returned to the Redbirds this year as a rookie manager. Last week he was named PCL Manager of the Year.

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds fan Nathan Harrell has his ball autographed by outfielder Harrison Bader prior to the matchup against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds infielder Breyvic Valera observes the game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - A few players with the Memphis Redbirds sit in the dugout before their game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds infielder Patrick Wisdom smiles after striking out in the first inning against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Nashville Sounds infielder Yairo Munoz avoids being hit by a ball during a game against the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds infielder Patrick Wisdom slides to first base as Nashville Sounds first baseman Chris Carter positions himself to catch a ball thrown by pitcher Daniel Gossett during a game at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds pitcher Kevin Herget converses with catcher Gabriel Lino during a game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Nashville Sounds infielder Franklin Barreto touches third base as he makes his way to home plate to score for his team against the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds pitcher Arturo Reyes throws a pitch during a game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds mascot Rocky competes in a race with Josh Croom, center, and Zack Reeves, during a break in the game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James, The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds pitcher Miguel Socolovich throws a practice pitch during a game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Redbirds infielder Wilfredo Tovar (12) is congratulated by teammate Patrick Wisdom (5) and bat boy Trey McCain after Tovar scored a run during a game against the Nashville Sounds on Aug. 17, 2017, at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds lost the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James / The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds outfielder Tyler O'Neill warms up to bat during a game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds outfielder Tyler O'Neill argues with empire Mike Cascioppo while disagreeing with a call during a game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

August 17, 2017 - Memphis Redbirds bat boy Trey McCain strikes a pose in the dugout during a game against the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park. The Redbirds would lose the game 11-8. Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal

This week, Clapp, known in his playing days as "The Mayor of Memphis," hopes to lead the Redbirds on another long playoff run.

Their first two playoff games are at AutoZone Park on Wednesday and Thursday. The weather should be perfect. The 2009 Minor League Ballpark of the Year's 10,000 seats should be filled.

Not just because only nine other teams in the 119 years of professional baseball in Memphis won more regular season games.

Not just because this Redbirds team finished the season with a higher winning percentage (.645) than last year's World Series champion Chicago Cubs (.640).

Not just because the Redbirds finished 22 games ahead of the second-place Nashville Sounds, even though not a single Redbird led the league in any major hitting or pitching category.

Not just because the Redbirds finished first in winning percentage, but 14th (out of 16 teams) in home attendance, averaging a bit more than 5,000 fans a game (3,800 per game fewer than league-leading Nashville).

We should rally around this Memphis team because of how hard and well they have rallied all season.

Going into Monday's final regular season game, the Redbirds were assured of having the best record in team history. They already had clinched home field advantage in the playoffs. They were on the road and down a run going into the 9th inning.

They kept grinding. They tied the game with one out in the top of the 9th. They scored two go-ahead runs with two outs in the 10th. They held on to win by a single run, giving them a perfect 11-0 record in extra-inning games this season.